SINPAC Switches: Brief Operating Description

For over 75 years, single-phase motors

have utilized a mechanical centrifugal
switch to switch the start circuit.
Inherent characteristics of a
mechanical device have made these
switches prone to various problems,
including tolerances, tolerance buildups, mechanical fatigue, vibration and
a host of others that can lead to switch
failures and/or performance
inconsistency.
Our challenge was to design a reliable
solid-state switch to replace the
mechanical switch and actuator
mechanism, and duplicate the function
of connecting and disconnecting the
start circuit at particular speeds with
the additional benefits of a solid-state
device. After considerable research, we
decided a successful electronic motor
starting switch could be created by
sensing the voltages present in the
main and start windings.
Until the rotor of a single-phase motor
begins to rotate, there is no coupling
between its start winding and main
winding. When the rotor begins to turn,
the main winding induces flux in the
rotor, which then induces a voltage in
the start winding. The voltage induced
in the start winding is directly
proportional to motor speed.

Mounting Options

100

In Stearns SINPAC Electronic

Switches, the voltage across a motors
main winding and the voltage across
its start winding are sampled and fed to
a comparator. The logic circuitry is
designed so that the electronic switch
interrupts the start circuit current after
the motor has accelerated to the speed
at which cut out voltage is developed,
generally 75 to 80% of synchronous
motor speed. The logic circuitry then
shuts down the switchs power stage,
which consists of a triac or inverse
parallel SCRs. This function is referred
to as cut out. When the start circuit is
disconnected, the main winding field
then drives the motors rotor to its
running speed.
If the motor encounters an overload,
and the motor speed falls to
approximately 50% of its synchronous
speed, the SINPAC Switch
automatically reconnects the motors
start circuit. This function is referred to
as cut in. Cut in detection circuitry
constantly monitors start winding
voltage. When the motors speed falls
to the cut in point, the detection circuit
causes the control logic to energize the
SINPAC Switchs power output stage.
The motor then goes through its
normal startup procedure, with the start
circuit being switched out at a motor

speed approximately 75 to 80% of

synchronous speed.
SINPAC Switches are potted and
completely sealed, making it
impervious to dust, dirt and moisture.
The unique speed sensing circuit
provides a universal design which
allows a few switches to work on most
standard motor designs regardless of
manufacturer.

Acceptance by Motor
Manufacturers
US and foreign motor manufacturers
have tested and retested the SINPAC
Switch for reliability and quality. Today,
many of these manufacturers have
begun installing SINPAC Switches on
their standard motor lines with more
companies ready to make the
changeover.

UL Recognition
Most SINPAC Switches have already
been recognized under the Component
Program of Underwriters Laboratories,
Inc. (E-71115). In addition, all switches
have internal surge protection which is
tested according to ANSI/IEEE
C62.41 1991 Category A3. CSA
Certification LR-6254.

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Sinpac Design Features

Electrically Protected. Designed to filter out electrical noise, so there is no concern of random











switch malfunction.
Reduced Installation Time. Easy accessible 1/4 inch terminals and mounting, reduce the
amount of time required to install SINPAC Switches or to change out mechanical switches.
Restart Capability. When motor speed drops below 50% of synchronous speed, the start
winding is brought back into the circuit to reinitiate starting torque.
Soldered Heat Sink. High cycling.
Transient Protection. Transient protection tested per ANSI/IEEE C62.41 - 1991 Category A3.
Universal Design. 50/60 Hz operation. Will work on 2, 4 or 6 pole motors of any manufacturer.
Reduced inventory.
Line Voltage Compensation. No modifications or changes are required for line voltage
variations. SINPAC Switches will operate in areas susceptible to brown-outs or low voltage due to
long wiring runs.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Operating Temperature: -40C to 65 C (-40 F
to 149F) [for operation between 65C and 85C
(149F and 185F), consult factory.]

Operating Voltage: 115 Vac SINPAC Switch:

90-130 Vac. For dual voltage motor equipped
with center-tapped main winding:
90-130 Vac or 180-265 Vac.
230 Vac SINPAC Switch: 190-255 Vac.

Typical Applications
Stearns SINPAC Switches are ideal
for applications requiring reliable
switching of the start circuit in singlephase motors.
Mechanical switches are prone to
various problems including
mechanical fatigue, tolerances,
tolerance build-ups and vibration
which can lead to performance
inconsistency.
Electronic SINPAC Switches solve all
those problems which reduce
production downtime in hundreds of
applications. Some of these
applications are illustrated below:

Some additional applications include:

Grain Dryers
Water Equipment
Power Tools
Commercial Dryers
Commercial Washing Machines
Ice Makers
Gas Pumps
Floor Washers
Bottle Washing Machines
Floor Sanders
Poultry Feeding Systems
Fans, Blowers
Grinding Machines
Milking Machines
Winches

50/60 Hz
Paint Sprayers
Pressure Sprayers
Vibrators
Auger Drives
Door Openers
Sump Pumps
Diaphragm Pumps
Hermetic Motors
Rotary Compressors
Refrigeration Compressors
Heat Pumps
Jet Pumps
Food Processing

Gate lifts

Hoists

Air
compressors

Door and
partition systems

Swimming pool pump motors

Submersible
pumps

Vacuum pumps

101

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SINPAC Switches: Selection

Motor hp ratings are typical. For an accurate selection procedure, measure start winding current during a normal start or at locked
rotor and select a SINPAC Switch with higher maximum current rating than that measured.
1. Be sure switch series matches motor type.
2. Be sure switch voltage rating matches (start) circuit voltage rating.
3. Selection can be based on actual measurement of start winding current ortwo times the motor nameplate FLA rating.
4. Switch current rating must match or exceed the motor start winding current requirements. Always select a SINPAC Switch with
the next higher current rating for:
a) High cycling applications.
b) Long acceleration time.
c) High ambients: Greater than 55C.
5. To assure proper motor operation, the voltage across the start winding must reach the SINPAC Switch cut in reference
voltage between 70% to 85% of motors synchronous speed.
Caution: SINPAC Switches are line voltage compensated. Changes in the line voltage will not effect system operation unless
an overload condition causes reduced running speed, along with reduced voltage across the start winding.
6. Higher current switches can be used in place of lower rated switches of the same series.

SINPAC Electronic Switch Catalog Numbering System

CV 16 165
Start Winding Voltage
blank = 115, 2 = 230

Cut Out Voltage (Cut In PV)

Maximum Current Rating

Series
CVR = Capacitor Start and Capacitor Start/Capacitor Run Motors, PV = Split Phase Only,
CV - Capacitor Start Only, VR = Capacitor Start/Capacitor Run Only, IR = Capacitor Start Instant Reverse

472101611U01
Electronics
7 = SINPAC Switch
1
2
3
4

=
=
=
=

PV Series - Split Phase Only

CV Series - Capacitor Start Only
Made-To-Order (MTO)*
CVR Series - Capacitor Start and
Capacitor Start/Capacitor Run
5 = IR Series - Capacitor Start Only
6 = Timer - Fixed Timer Split Phase
or Capacitor Start
7 = VR Series - Capacitor Start/
Capacitor Run Only
1 = 115 Start Circuit Voltage
2 = 230 Start Circuit Voltage
0 = Standard
A = Inductor
Amps (max. current)
16, 25, 35, 40, 50, 70, or 80
*NOTE: For part numbers beginning with 473
(these are OEM specials), the remaining digits
of this numbering system do not apply.

102

1 = Standard, 2 = Standard, K = Kit

115 V SINPAC Switch
A = 130 VCO, B = 147 VCO, 0 = 165 VCO
0 = 400 mS Timing Interval, 30 V Cut In
D = 180 VCO
F = 400 mS Timing Interval, 10 V Cut In
J = 155 VCO Hybrid 6B
K = 165 VCO Hybrid 6
L = 130 VCO 15 VCI
P = 800 mS Timing Interval, 30 V Cut In
R = 115 VCO
T = 600 mS Timing Interval, 10 V Cut In
V = 210 VCO
W = 200 mS Timing Interval, 30 V Cut In
Y = 200 mS Timing Interval, 10 V Cut In
230 V SINPAC Switch
C = 260 VCO, 0 = 310 VCO, E = 410 VCO
H = 400 mS Timing Interval, 60 V Cut In
M = 340 VCO, S = 350 VCO
T = 600 mS Timing Interval, 60 V Cut In
U = UL Recognized, N = Not UL
Package Style
11 = Metal Can 2.48 x 1.38 x .81
12 = Metal Can 2.67 x 1.78 x .86
15 = Capacitor Case 1.822 dia. x 3.372
16 = Metal Can 2.75 x 2.0 x 1.125
17 = Capacitor Case 2.572 dia. x 4.372
19 = Capacitor Case 1.447 dia. x 3.372
20 = Capacitor Case 1.447 dia. x 2.760
21 = Board Only

long
long
long
long

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SINPAC Switches: Line Voltage Compensation Charts

PV Series
Induced voltage across the start winding is directly proportional to motor speed and line voltage. All SINPAC Switches
use this voltage to switch the start winding out of the circuit. Your motor with a SINPAC Switch must generate a voltage
that is 20% greater than the switch cut in voltage to assure cut out of the start winding. Refer to the chart below.
130
10

Line Voltage

120
30
110

60

100

Cut In Voltage
PV
50/60 Hz, Typical

90
0

20

10

40
30
Start Winding Volts

60

50

CV , VR , CVR, and IR Series

Induced voltage across the start winding is directly proportional to motor speed and line voltage. All SINPAC Switches use
this voltage to switch the start capacitor out of the circuit. Your motor with a SINPAC Switch must generate a voltage that
is 20% greater than the switch cut out voltage to assure cut out of the start capacitor. Refer to charts below.
130

130
130
120
147

Line Voltage

Line Voltage

120

CV and
VR

110
165
100

130
110
147, 165
100

Cut Out Voltage

CV and VR
50/60 Hz, Typical

90
120

140
150
160
Start Winding Volts

130

170

Cut In Voltage
CV and VR
50/60 Hz, Typical

90

180

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

Start Winding Volts

130

130
130
120
147

Line Voltage

CVR

Line Voltage

120

110
165
100

120

140

130

150

170

160

Cut In Voltage
CVR
50/60 Hz, Typical

90

180

25

Start Winding Volts

30

40

35

50

45

55

Start Winding Volts

260

260
260V

240
Line Voltage

240
Line Voltage

2CV ,
2VR , and
2CVR

130
165

110

100

Cut Out Voltage

CVR
50/60 Hz, Typical

90

147

310V
220

260V,
310V
220

200

200

Cut Out Voltage

2CV, 2VR, 2CVR
50/60 Hz, Typical

180
300

200

180

80

70

60

500

400

Cut In Voltage
2CV, 2VR, 2CVR
50/60 Hz, Typical
90

100

110

Start (Auxiliary) Winding Volts

Start (Auxiliary) Winding Volts

130

130
130
120
Line Voltage

120
Line Voltage

IR
SERIES

147
110
165

130

110

165

100

100
Cut Out Voltage
IR
50/60 Hz, Typical

90
120

130

150
160
140
Start Winding Volts

170

180

Cut In Voltage
IR
50/60 Hz, Typical

147
90
25

30

40
45
Start Winding Volts

35

50

55

103

IR Series for Instant Reversing 115 Vac or 115/230

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Vac Dual Voltage Capacitor Start Motors
external reversing switch or contactor that
is not part of the SINPAC Switch. SINPAC
Instant Reverse Switch is not dependent
upon how quickly the user operates the
reversing switch, but only that the
reversing switch did change states, i.e.,
forward to reverse, or vice versa. The
SINPAC Switch detects the change in the
phase shift between the main and start
windings, and the logic circuit instantly
actuates the starting switch, causing the
start circuit to be reconnected to line
voltage. This connection causes the motor to decelerate and then
reaccelerate in the opposite direction. The SINPAC IR Series
Switch interrupts the start circuit current after the motor has
accelerated to the cut out speed, and reconnects the start circuit
whenever the circuit senses the motor speed has fallen to cut in
speed (usually about 50% of synchronous motor speed).

Basic Operation
Bidirectional motors - those that can rotate in either direction are
of two classes: 1. Reversing motors, which can change from full
speed in one direction to full speed in the opposite direction.
2. Reversible motors, which can be reversed only when the motor
is not running, or is running below cut out speed. Some motor
manufacturers distinguish between quick reversing and instant
reversing. A quick reversing motor requires a time delay of
approximately 1/25th of a second or more for the switching circuitry
to react. An instant reversing motor requires absolutely no time
delay. The standard SINPAC Switch can be used on reversible and
reversing motors. The SINPAC IR Series Switch provides the
function of a direction sensing centrifugal switch and makes a
reversible capacitor start motor into an instant reversing motor.
In order to reverse a single-phase motor, it is necessary to reverse
the polarity of either the start or main winding, but not both at the
same time. The reversal of the winding is accomplished with an

Typical
Maximum
Motor hp

Typical Full Load

Motor Nameplate
Current Rating (amps)

1/2
1/2
1/2

115
Volts
12
12
12

115/230
Volts
12/6
12/6
12/6

2
2
2

20
20
20

20/10
20/10
20/10

Switch Rating and

Permissible
Start
Maximum Start
Circuit
Capacitor
Voltage
Current (amps)

Catalog
Number

Part Number

Cut Out
Voltage
Typical

Cut In
Voltage
Typical

Package
Style

25
25
25

115
115
115

IR-25-130
IR-25-147
IR-25-165

4-7-51025-15-UA1
4-7-51025-15-UB1
4-7-51025-15-U01

130
147
165

30
33
37

15
15
15

40
40
40

115
115
115

IR-40-130
IR-40-147
IR-40-165

4-7-51040-15-UA1
4-7-51040-15-UB1
4-7-51040-15-U01

130
147
165

30
33
37

15
15
15

Contact factory on IVR series for capacitor start/capacitor run motors.

Wiring Diagram
Catalog
Number

IR-25
IR-40
Connect
to Instant
Reverse
Start
Motors

SINPAC
Switch
Rating

115 Volt 50/60 Hz

Motor Operation

230 Volt 50/60 Hz

Motor Operation

115 Volt Operation Dual Voltage

Motor Using Two Full Voltage
2 or 3 Pole Single-Phase
Reversing Contactors with
Mechanical Interlock
(Electrical Interlock Optional)

230 Volt Operation Dual Voltage

Motor Using Two Full Voltage
2 or 3 Pole Single-Phase
Reversing Contactors with
Mechanical Interlock
(Electrical Interlock Optional)

Dimensions are for estimating only.

Drawings for customer reference are
available upon request.

115 Volts

Reversing contacts are not part of

SINPAC Switch.

Reversing contacts are not part of

SINPAC Switch.

Drum switch is not part of

SINPAC Switch.

Reversing contacts are not part of

SINPAC Switch.

CS Start capacitor, M Motor main winding, ST Motor start winding, F Forward, R Reverse

109